77 C20 2WD Camper Special front lift options?

[jetdexter]

Hi all,

I want to lift the front of my '77 C20 2WD just a couple of inches. I know this has been discussed many times - but many of those threads are ten years old, or ended without resolution.

I've got a 350 and my Camper Special already has the F60 "HD front springs". I don't want to "fake 4x4" it, but just like most 2WD trucks today, I feel that a little taller just looks better- and affords a more aggressive tire.

From my threads here, it's possible that my springs are simply tired, and new Moog 6454s may give me the couple of inches I am looking for. But I thought I would see if any of you have any other suggestions. Happy to send some photos along if that would help. Not sure if this board requires separate hosting of those, or just upload them in the thread.

Thanks again all- I love all your trucks and comments as I've browsed here a lot before joining.

Paul

 

[Ricko1966]

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[DoubleDingo]

Post some pics of how it sits now. And you're right, new springs will probably get you there. These C20s sat plenty high.

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from Ohio

 

[jetdexter]

Thanks guys!
Yes, here it is in its current state. Extremely original.

It seems to sit how I remember them sitting when new, so I don't know if there's any real sagging, but it's possible for sure.

I love the idea of the airbags (and only a hundred bucks- nice) I'm wondering the ride impact. I assume it would take what is a pretty comfortable ride, and firm it up. I wish there was a spring that could accomplish the height leaving the same progressive nature of the ride...?

Still I love the idea of freshening up the springs anyway, then have the airbags ready as a supplement- and a way to fine-tune a bit.

Since I've got a 530 with HD suspension as it is, what springs Make/model do you guys think I should use?

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[Shorty81]

That is one nice lookin' truck!!

 

[bucket]

Thanks guys!
Yes, here it is in its current state. Extremely original.

It seems to sit how I remember them sitting when new, so I don't know if there's any real sagging, but it's possible for sure.

I love the idea of the airbags (and only a hundred bucks- nice) I'm wondering the ride impact. I assume it would take what is a pretty comfortable ride, and firm it up. I wish there was a spring that could accomplish the height leaving the same progressive nature of the ride...?

Still I love the idea of freshening up the springs anyway, then have the airbags ready as a supplement- and a way to fine-tune a bit.

Since I've got a 530 with HD suspension as it is, what springs Make/model do you guys think I should use?

You must be registered for see images attach

Damn, that's a great looking truck! Imho, that truck sits just right!

Many years ago, there was a thread here (don't remember who's thread it was) that discussed the available 2wd springs. I believe there was a LD C20 spring, an HD C20/ LD C30 spring, then finally an HD C30 spring. They got a couple inch lift by using the HD C30 spring in their C20. But I think they were also starting off with a LD C20.

 

[WFO]

Thanks guys!
Yes, here it is in its current state. Extremely original.

It seems to sit how I remember them sitting when new, so I don't know if there's any real sagging, but it's possible for sure.

I love the idea of the airbags (and only a hundred bucks- nice) I'm wondering the ride impact. I assume it would take what is a pretty comfortable ride, and firm it up. I wish there was a spring that could accomplish the height leaving the same progressive nature of the ride...?

Still I love the idea of freshening up the springs anyway, then have the airbags ready as a supplement- and a way to fine-tune a bit.

Since I've got a 530 with HD suspension as it is, what springs Make/model do you guys think I should use?

You must be registered for see images attach

That's a good lookin truck, and I think that stance is perfect.
They were built to carry a load, and not look squatty doin it.

 

[jetdexter]

Thanks a bunch guys. Yes, I hate to be that guy that wants to ruin a good thing. And the truck does sit and RIDE really great (particularly for a 3/4 ton of that era). But I did want to put some wider steelies on it- using the factory hubcaps. I've got a couple of buddies who have done it and I love the look. I'd hang on to the factory wheels and tires of course- not doing anything that can't be put back. For example, I like the wheels here. I DONT want to lift it like he did. But I like the touch more aggressive look of the wide tires and wheels, yet with factory steel wheels and hubcaps.

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[DoubleDingo]

Thanks a bunch guys. Yes, I hate to be that guy that wants to ruin a good thing. And the truck does sit and RIDE really great (particularly for a 3/4 ton of that era). But I did want to put some wider steelies on it- using the factory hubcaps. I've got a couple of buddies who have done it and I love the look. I'd hang on to the factory wheels and tires of course- not doing anything that can't be put back. For example, I like the wheels here. I DONT want to lift it like he did. But I like the touch more aggressive look of the wide tires and wheels, yet with factory steel wheels and hubcaps.

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That's a K(4x4). Your truck sits just fine. If you want tall and big tires go with a K, not a C.

 

[jetdexter]

Well, it's actually a 2 wheel drive C20 Camper Special like mine. I don't want to lift it to look like a 4x4 like that guy did. I probably shouldn't have sent that since it's like apples and oranges. Perhaps I'll mockup mine with just a touch of lift. That way I can make sure I'm not crazy - or you guys can confirm that I am

 

[DoubleDingo]

Well, it's actually a 2 wheel drive C20 Camper Special like mine. I don't want to lift it to look like a 4x4 like that guy did. I probably shouldn't have sent that since it's like apples and oranges. Perhaps I'll mockup mine with just a touch of lift. That way I can make sure I'm not crazy - or you guys can confirm that I am

I figured it was an AI photo because there are no front hubs and the description says K25 which is 4x4.

 

[Grit dog]

Nice truck! That pic from the side already looks like it rides like brand new or slightly higher. It looks leveled even though thst wasn’t a thing back then. I don’t think there’s a set of springs gonna raise it much if any more than that.
You can fit wider rims but if you want to go way up in width and height like a 33-12.50, you’re correct you’ll need to lift it. I’d leave it alone personally unless you want to lift front and rear. Any front lift now looks like the start of a Carolina squat.

 

[bucket]

Thanks a bunch guys. Yes, I hate to be that guy that wants to ruin a good thing. And the truck does sit and RIDE really great (particularly for a 3/4 ton of that era). But I did want to put some wider steelies on it- using the factory hubcaps. I've got a couple of buddies who have done it and I love the look. I'd hang on to the factory wheels and tires of course- not doing anything that can't be put back. For example, I like the wheels here. I DONT want to lift it like he did. But I like the touch more aggressive look of the wide tires and wheels, yet with factory steel wheels and hubcaps.

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My '78 C20 Burb. It has the HD springs. In this picture, it had 16.5x9.75 spoked steelies and ancient 12.00x16.5" bias ply tires. Those tires were essentially the same size as some old 33x12.5x16.5" BFG All Terrains that I also have.

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[Ricko1966]

Add air as needed,release air as needed.